The strife in Ukraine has demonstrated the significance of tanks in modern warfare. Ukraine takes pride in the T-84 Oplot, the first homegrown main battle tank with origins in the Soviet Union.

The Role of Tanks in War The military incursion in Ukraine has suggested a loss of between 40% and 50% of the Russian armored vehicle fleet. Russian tanks such as the T-62, T-64, T-80, and T-90 have displayed little adaptability on Ukrainian terrain.

Conversely, Ukraine will profit from the arrival of more advanced Western main battle tanks in the upcoming months, like the M1 Abrams, Challenger 2, and Leopard 2.

Moreover, Ukraine possesses the T-84 Oplot, the first domestically produced main battle tank.

Origin of the T-84 Oplot The T-84 Oplot was developed from the Soviet Union’s T-80 UD program during the Cold War. After the USSR’s collapse, Ukraine was left with thousands of T-80s that required components from the newly formed Russian Federation.

So, Ukraine chose to develop its own armored vehicle based on the T-80 platform. Despite being a modern tank, the T-84 couldn’t be produced on a large scale due to budget constraints and a lack of priorities.

Presently, only six T-84s remain in Ukraine, as four were sold to the United States for evaluation.

Characteristics of the T-84 The T-84 incorporates significant enhancements compared to the T-80. It features explosion-resistant panels for secure ammunition storage, a welded turret, and a high-output diesel engine that makes it one of the fastest tanks globally.

The T-84’s armament is akin to that of the T-80, including a 125mm smoothbore main gun, a KT-7.62 coaxial machine gun, and a KT-12.7 anti-aircraft machine gun. The main gun can load various ammunition types, like HEAT and APFSDS shells. The 6TD-2 turbocharged diesel engine provides 1,200 horsepower to the Oplot.

The Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau in Ukraine created the T-84. It is a third-generation main battle tank. It is an enhanced version of the T-80 tank, initially built in the 1970s by the Soviet Union. Some of the most crucial aspects of the T-84 tank are:

The T-84 is armed with a 125mm smoothbore gun that can fire various rounds, including high-explosive, armor-piercing, and guided missiles. A 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun are also mounted on the tank.

Armor: The T-84 has improved composite armor, better protecting it from small arms fire and anti-tank weapons. The tank’s armor also has modules called explosive reactive armor (ERA), which can detonate incoming weapons and reduce their impact.

The T-84 has a diesel engine with 1,200 horsepower, providing a top speed of about 70 km/h on and 45 km/h off-road. The tank also has a hydro-pneumatic support system that allows for smooth movement over rough terrain.

Electronics: The T-84 is equipped with modern electronics, such as a fire control system with a laser rangefinder and thermal imaging sights. The tank also has a battle management system that enables communication with other tanks and units on the battlefield.

Crew: Three people operate the T-84: a commander, a gunner, and a driver. The tank’s advanced electronics and automation systems ease the crew’s tasks and increase the tank’s success in battle.

Overall, the T-84 is a powerful